Clocks (single)

"Clocks" is the third single from Coldplay's second album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. Regional singles were released for UK, Europe, Australia (mini-EP), Japan (enhanced), Holland (3-disc EP), France, and US. Promos were released for British and Americam markets. In addition a special 12" vinyl Limited Edition was available with 1000 copies in the UK. This release contained special remixes by Röyksopp.

"Clocks" is in the key of F Minor. Built around a memorable piano riff, it features a minimalist soundscape of drums and bass over an aura of synths and strings. Chris Martin's cryptic lyrics are thought to be about death and the transience of life. The song was recorded at Air Studios, London, at the very end of the sessions for "A Rush of Blood to the Head". It was the last song to be recorded and arguably forms the turning-point of the whole album; it was something of a departure from Coldplay's previous style. "Speed Of Sound", the first single from Coldplay's third album X&Y, bears some similarities with "Clocks".

The single cover depicts singer Chris Martin with his hands placed on his head. The drawing perspective is looking up from his ribcage. The cover was created by Solve Sundsbo. The song itself is a piano driven ballad.

"Clocks" was arguably the most successful commercial hit from A Rush of Blood to the Head. Throughout 2003, it was featured in various commercials, movies and television programs; from WWE promos to the film In America.

In 2004, "Clocks" won the coveted Record of the Year honour at the Grammy Awards, beating the likes of Eminem, OutKast and Beyonce.

Music Video

The "Clocks" music video was directed Dominic Leung, who previously worked with artists like Badly Drawn Boy. The video was shot at Docklands' ExCeL Building in London. The video features the band performing the song in front of a staged audience, mostly local college students.

Quotes

Chris Martin on "Clocks": "That's the newest song on the album. We recorded that very, very fast. That was inspired by Muse."[1]

Track listings

UK release

• CD CDR6594

1. "Clocks"
2. "Crests Of Waves"
3. "Animals"

• DVD: DVDR6594

1. "Clocks" (video edit)
2. "Politik" (live and photo gallery)
3. "In My Place" (live)
4. Interview footage

Japan release

• CD: TOCP 61078

1. "Clocks" (edit) (4:11)
2. "Crests of Waves" (3:38)
3. "Animals" (5:33)
4. "Murder" (5:35)
5. "In My Place" (live) (3:58)
6. "Yellow" (live) (5:12)
7. "Clocks" (video) 4:18)
8. "In My Place" (video) (3:48)

US release

• CD: 52608

1. "Clocks" (edit) (4:13)
2. "Yellow" (live) (5:37)